Brexit Day 26: Concerns that Brexit is already damaging science

A statement has been issued by some of the most prestigious science academies in the UK warning that Brexit is already damaging British science.

It highlights a number of areas of concern.

People - the freedom of movement of scientists and academics to and from Europe is essential. Currently 15% of academics and staff in the UK are from EU countries.

Collaboration - 60% of papers that are co-authored with international authors are from the EU.

Resources - UK research is a net benefinary from EU research programmes.

Regulation - common standards, regulations and certifications across the EU make just about everything to do with research easier, whether it's buying equipment, or testing processes.

The statement is signed by the presidents of The Academy of Medical Sciences, the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Society, the Learned Society of Wales, the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Royal Irish Academy. These are literally the "best of the best" and represent the top scientists, engineers and academics of the UK.

The statement is available to download here(document link on right hand side)